Saint Hierotheos was born in 1686 in Kalamata of the Peloponnese. His parents were of noble origin and provided him with an excellent education. From an early age, he loved learning and devoted his time to study, avoiding the usual amusements of childhood. He also read the Holy Scriptures and the sacred texts of the Church.
When his family decided to arrange his marriage, he prayed to God for help, desiring to dedicate himself to the monastic life. After the death of his parents, he renounced the world and went to Mount Athos, where he became a disciple of a hermit.
Later, he joined the brotherhood of the Monastery of Iviron. He continued his ascetic path in Wallachia and was ordained a deacon by Auxentios, Metropolitan of Sofia. He then returned to Athos and lived in strict asceticism, practicing fasting and prayer. In this way, he gathered around him many faithful people, who recognized the holiness and grace of his personality.
After being ordained a hieromonk, he embraced an even more rigorous ascetic life. He distributed to the poor whatever he possessed and lived in seclusion.
At the end of his life, having foreseen his death, he withdrew to an uninhabited island called Gioura. There he surrendered his soul to the Lord on September 13, 1745.
His disciples buried his body, while three years later the hieromonk Meletios found his holy relics, which were preserved in Mount Athos.
The Church celebrates his memory on September 13.
